71.   Gains in other blue chip stocks amid bargain hunting by investors helped dragged the key index higher, dealers said.

72.   In Tokyo, shares fell as investors sold stocks amid disappointment with limited gains in early trading, brokers said.

73.   Investors also scrambled to sell off tobacco company stocks amid predictions of tougher cigarette legislation on advertising and sales to minors.

74.   Australian share prices closed marginally lower Thursday as fears of a US interest rate rise were partially countered by strong oil stocks amid tension in the Middle East.

75.   Blue-chip share prices tumbled this week on Wall Street as bond market jitters spilled over to stocks amid fears of an overheating economy that could reignite inflation.

76.   Dealers said overall sentiment was dampened by losses on Wall Street and selling of second and third line stocks amid fears that more companies could face trading curbs.

77.   Share prices closed marginally higher Friday with focus on small stocks amid weakness in blue chips, dealers said.

78.   Singapore share prices closed marginally higher Friday with the focus on small stocks amid weakness in blue chips, dealers said.

79.   Thai share prices closed firmer on Friday, boosted by continued buying in local electronics stocks amid hopes of improved global demand for semiconductors, dealers said.

80.   That is the question facing investors here after another punishing week for stocks amid corporate scandals, doubts about the US economic recovery and heightened global tensions.